A Multi-method Investigation of the Personality Correlates of Functional Ability in Older Adults

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives This study evaluated the role of personality in predicting functional ability (FA) in older adults using self-report, collateral report, and performance-based measures of FA. Methods Participants included older adults (N = 131) who completed a personality measure (NEO-FFI), a self-report of FA (OARS ADL), and participated in a performance-based assessment of FA (DAFS-R). In addition, each participant had a collateral complete a collateral report of FA (OARS ADL). Bivariate correlations were computed to assess how Five Factor Model traits were related to self-report, collateral, and performance-based measures of FA. Results Neuroticism was negatively related to self-reported FA (r = − .27) and collateral-reported FA (r = − .18) and Conscientiousness was positively related to self-reported FA (r = .25). None of the traits were significantly related to the performance-based measure of FA. Conclusions These results suggest that personality traits can impact self-reported FA in older adults and underscore the importance of assessing FA in older adults using multiple methods, particularly performance-based measures. Clinical Implications Clinicians should consider how personality may impact FA in older adults and multiple methods of FA performance should be examined to better tailor recommendations.